Neighborhood Block Party, Railroad Park.

Posted on Thursday, April 11, 2013 by Angie

Downtown Birmingham is booming and Railroad Park is celebrating!

This Sunday, April 14th Railroad Park will be hosting a Neighborhood Block Party, free to the public. Join them for this fun afternoon of activities, music and food. Food in the form of FOOD TRUCKS!

Have we ever mentioned that we are obsessed with Food Trucks? This Sunday will be the perfect chance to check out what Birmingham has to offer from: Shindigs, Melt, Off The Hook, Dreamcakes, Steel City Pops, Taqueria Guzman Taco Truck, Avalanche Delights and Spoonfed Grill.

Yes, Please!

Activities will include, Kite flying, face painting, corn hole (bring your corn hole set to the park that day!) And music by, Lee Bains III & The Glory Fires, Gip Gipson, Wilder Adkins

Special performance by Sanspointe Dance Company in commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of 1963.

The Birmingham Barons will be playing at their new home Sunday afternoon at 3pm. So get the family together and make an afternoon of it.

We’ll see you there! (Did we mention Food Trucks!?)

Noon – 5pm

Eating out: Brussel Sprouts… on pizza?

Posted on Tuesday, April 9, 2013 by Angie

We’re always looking for great places to eat that are kid-friendly AND delicious. We decided to give CPK a try. After all, it is pizza, so the kids are satisfied. But are the adults?
Every day is a vegetable challenge for most families. One of the veggies that we avoid is brussel sprouts, simply because they are too bitter and slimy. Well… our minds have changed.

California Pizza Kitchen has a new pizza that is thin crust with sliced baby brussel sprouts and bacon on it. It was unique and not bitter at all. And what kid won’t try pizza? Some of our tasters recommended asking for extra cheese– we’ll have to try that!

Some of our tried and true favorites at CPK are of course… the barbecue chicken pizza and the BBQ pineapple chicken pizza. If you like sweeter tastes, the pineapple is delicious. If you’re more of a savory person, stick with the BBQ chicken pizza with bacon.

Lighter eaters can find something too- the salad selection is divine at CPK! The newest salad has two different kinds of beets and a whipped goat cheese dressing. It was delicious. The barbecue chicken salad was our favorite though. It has so many different things in it and they all blend so well together. It’s one of the most popular items at CPK, and we can see why.

Know what we’re trying next? The Avocado Club Rolls… YUM!

Birmingham Events Calendar: April 7th – April 14th

Posted on Sunday, April 7, 2013 by Angie

Spring has finally sprung in Birmingham, Moms!! Let’s get those kids out and start enjoying this beautiful weather!

The Birmingham Barons kick off their season this week at their NEW Stadium in downtown Birmingham. Lots of special events going on to celebrate!

Check out the family movie happening at Ruffner Mountain, or some great weekend events going on at Railroad Park.

Lots of storytimes and might we suggest some outside time at your favorites park!

We’re still raising money for Jordan, through Magic Moments and our online auction is still live! A few great items and we’ll be adding more this week! Check it out here and help us send this little girl to Disney!

It’s Not Our Fault if Your Kids are Bored!

Sunday April 7th:

Chasing Hippos – Birmingham Museum of Art
Sarah Louise Galbraith, photographer of the hippos who are featured on the porcelain dinner service in Hip, Hippo, Hooray!, will disucss the hippo service and its genesis. You don’t want to miss her adventurous tales and stories of her travels to capture the likes of hippos from around the globe! She traveled to 33 countries across the world from January 2004 – January 2005, photographing as many hippos as possible. Come hear her adventures and struggles from visits to the world’s best and worst zoos!
2pm – 3pm

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Monday April 8th:

Toddler Tales – North Shelby Library
A story program for children and a caregiver. Stories, songs, finger plays and crafts make up a lively program designed especially for short attention spans. Best suited for ages 19 months to 3 years. Must Register
9:30am and 10:30am

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Tuesday April 9th:

LEGO Ninja – Hoover Public Library
Calling all ninjas! Join the quest to build and demolish. All spin masters entered into drawing for Lego door prizes. Grades 2-5. Must Register.
6:30m

Hippo Adventures – Birmingham Museum of Art
Meet at the Information Desk outside Bart’s ArtVenture! Join us for a new in-gallery family experience! Children aged 3 – 8 and their adult companions are invited to join Museum educators to explore Hip, Hippo, Hooray!, discover activities that make looking at art fun and exciting, and create new family memories about art and hippos.

No reservations required. Hippo Adventures are also available by appointment for groups of 10 or more children aged 3 – 8. For more information or to schedule a tour, call 205.254.2964.
10:30am

Storytime – Homewood Public Library
Join us for the best part of your week with stories that make you laugh and songs that make you dance! Join us for the fun of it! All ages welcome. For large groups, a call to 332-6619 is nice.
10:30am

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Wednesday April 10th:

Birmingham Barons Opening Week – The NEW Regions Field
The 2013 season will mark the beginning of a new era for the Birmingham Barons with the opening of Regions Field. The Barons will kick off the home slate with Opening Night on April 10th against the Mississippi Braves, Double-A Affiliate of the Atlanta Braves.

Numerous events will highlight a weeklong celebration to commemorate the opening of Regions Field.
Commemorative Lanyard Giveaway, ZooperStars Appearance, Fireworks, Magnetic Schedule Giveaway
7:05pm

Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Join us as we read Open This Little Book. We will find out what it’s like to have many stories inside one book. We will make a craft and have something delicious from the Cafe.
11am

Family Story Time with Mr Mac – North Shelby Library
Storyteller Extraordinaire – Come join Mr Mac and his musical storytime complete with puppets! All Ages, no registration required.
10:45am

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Thursday April 11th:

Birmingham Barons Opening Week – The NEW Regions Field
The 2013 season will mark the beginning of a new era for the Birmingham Barons with the opening of Regions Field. The Barons will kick off the home slate this week against the Mississippi Braves, Double-A Affiliate of the Atlanta Braves.

Numerous events will highlight a weeklong celebration to commemorate the opening of Regions Field.
Magnetic Schedule Giveaway, Thirsty Thursday
7:05pm

SNAP Movie and Popcorn – Emmet O’Neal Lirbrary
Movie and popcorn. Grades 3-6. No registration required.
3:30pm
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Friday April 12th:

Birmingham Barons Opening Week – The NEW Regions Field
The 2013 season will mark the beginning of a new era for the Birmingham Barons with the opening of Regions Field. The Barons will kick off the home slate this week against the Mississippi Braves, Double-A Affiliate of the Atlanta Braves.

Numerous events will highlight a weeklong celebration to commemorate the opening of Regions Field.
Friday Night Fireworks, Magnetic Schedule Giveaway
7:05pm

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Saturday April 13th:

Birmingham Barons Opening Week – The NEW Regions Field
The 2013 season will mark the beginning of a new era for the Birmingham Barons with the opening of Regions Field. The Barons will kick off the home slate this week against the Mississippi Braves, Double-A Affiliate of the Atlanta Braves.

Numerous events will highlight a weeklong celebration to commemorate the opening of Regions Field.
Friday Night Fireworks, Magnetic Schedule Giveaway
6:30pm

Family Movie – Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
Join us for the family-friendly movie, “The Lorax.” Start your weekend with a movie under our covered pavilion. This is the perfect family activity. Feel free to bring comfy chairs and find yourself a spot on the porch. In the event of severe weather, we will move to the Treehouse. Snacks will be available for purchase.
Free – 7:30pm

TEMPO Family Fun Festival – Railroad Park
A FREE event got the whole family. Bring or ride your bike! First 500 children will receive a FREE bike helmet. Family bike ride through downtown Birmingham, performance by checkerboard guy, meet members of the Birmingham Barons, register to win a bike, Cycling Activities, Street Performers and MORE!
10am – 2pm

No reservations required. Hippo Adventures are also available by appointment for groups of 10 or more children aged 3 – 8. For more information or to schedule a tour, call 205.254.2964.
10:30am

Bart’s Art Cart – Birmingham Museum of Art
This drop-in art program for kids and families features a different theme from our galleries and art activity each month. Stop by to make art with Bart!

April Abstractions // African Patterns! Try your hand at creating textures and patterns found in the new African Ceramics gallery.
11am

Studio for Kids – Birmingham Museum of Art
$30 ($20 Bart’s Kids Club Members)
Education Studio // Kids ages 5-12

Discover the ancient Indian folk art of Rangoli, an art form using sand, flower petals, and even flour to create beautiful and colorful geometric and organic designs. Design your own with Shanthi Ravikumar, who has been awarded prizes at Rangoli competitions throughout India and has a true passion for this unique art form!

Click here to register!

3rd Annual Cajun Cookoff – Linn Park
Make plans to attend the 3rd Annual Girls Inc. Cajun Cook-off! This casual, family-friendly event features a Cajun cooking competition as well as live music from The Swamp Poppas in Birmingham’s beautiful Linn Park. Enjoy taste-testing all your Cajun favorites including gumbo, etouffee, jambalaya, red beans and rice and more! Your vote will help determine the winner of the cook-off competition.

All funds generated by the Cajun Cook-off benefit Girls Inc. programs that inspire Central Alabama girls to be strong, smart and bold!
$25 for adults ($30 day-of)
$5 for children
Online sale ends at 10:00 am April 12th.
11am – 3pm

Family Storytime – Emmet O’Neal Library
Bring the entire family and join Mr. Mac for stories and music each Saturday morning.
10:30 a.m.

Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Spot is stopping by for a visit as we read Spot Goes to the Park. We will make something fun and have a treat from the Cafe.
11am

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Sunday April 14th:

Birmingham Barons Opening Week – The NEW Regions Field
The 2013 season will mark the beginning of a new era for the Birmingham Barons with the opening of Regions Field. The Barons will kick off the home slate this week against the Mississippi Braves, Double-A Affiliate of the Atlanta Braves.

Numerous events will highlight a weeklong celebration to commemorate the opening of Regions Field.
Friday Night Fireworks, Magnetic Schedule Giveaway
3pm

Neighborhood Block Party – Railroad Park
From your block to ours, join us at Railroad Park for our Neighborhood Block Party, with delicious food truck fare, lawn games and outstanding musical talent including Lee Bains III and the Glory Fires.

The Birmingham Barons will play at Regions Field later that afternoon, so come down early to enjoy Birmingham at its best. Food trucks: Shindigs, Melt, Off The Hook, Dreamcakes, Steel City Pops, Taqueria Guzman Taco Truck, Spoonfed Grill, Avalanche Delights.

Bands: Lee Bains III & The Glory Fires, Wilder Adkins, The Old Paints, Wilder Adkins

Activities: Sanspointe Dance Company, face painting, cornhole, zumba, kite flying. Thanks to Coca-Cola, Good People Brewing, Pinnacle Imports.
This event is free and open to the general public.
12pm – 5pm

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Local Attractions Open Daily!

McWane Science Center:

IMAX
McWane Science Center’s IMAX® Dome Theater puts you in the center of the action by projecting breathtaking quality images onto the 5-story-tall dome screen and delivering intense surround sound through almost 3 tons of speakers and subwoofers.
Now Showing: The Last Reef, Santa and the Snowman, Rocky Mountain Express

The Tornadoes of April 27th – Looking Back — Moving Forward, a new exhibit at McWane Science Center, reflects on the experiences of the April 27th, 2011 storms. The exhibit shares personal stories from those who experienced the devastation of the storms firsthand, while emphasizing the importance of tornado preparedness and explaining the science behind tornadoes.

Photos and stories from The Birmingham News help tell the story of the storms and the affect they had on survivors, volunteers, and the community as a whole. Students from Daniel Payne Middle School also help tell the story of their school and community through photos and artifacts from the storm for the exhibit. UAB students worked with the children from Daniel Payne Middle School to create short documentaries that can be seen in the exhibit as well.

In addition to sharing the personal stories from that day, the goal of this exhibit is to inform the community about how to prepare for extreme weather conditions, explaining the science of tornadoes and stressing awareness.

With vivid displays, the exhibit allows visitors the opportunity to learn about the scientific side of tornadoes. Graphics within the exhibit illustrate tornado formation and anatomy, educating visitors on how such extreme weather conditions develop. Additionally, the exhibit displays statistics and disputes common myths concerning the destructive storms.

Guests can watch live video from the storms that rolled across our state on April 27th, 2011, including the
weather forecasts from that day and actual images of the tornado as it made its way through our area provided by FOX6 WBRC. The exhibit is located in the City Gallery on Level 2 of the museum this summer.

Be Ready Alabama Exhibit Presented by:
The Governor’s Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives
www.readyalabama.org

Animal Grossology
Experience a new exhibit that is oozing with science as you meet some of the slimiest and yuckiest creatures on Earth! You’ll never look at the animal kingdom the same way after you see “ANIMAL GROSSOLOGY!”

The Animal Grossology exhibition, based on a popular series of books by science teacher Sylvia Branzei, is an educational experience grounded in the theory that the best way to get kids interested in science is to present it in terms they find most appealing. Let’s face it, topics such as slime, vomit, dookies and other gross stuff are completely fascinating for your average six to 14-year-old.

By physically stepping into the Animal Grossology exhibition, these subjects have become an interactive, larger-than-life biology lesson that harnesses kid’s natural curiosity about themselves and teaches them about how animals function.

Oozing with disgusting science and interactive learning games, the all-new “Animal Grossology” exhibit is sure to provide a unique perspective on the animal kingdom. Museum guests will experience some of the slimiest, stinkiest and downright yuckiest creatures on earth.

The exhibition contains solid science and introduces it in a way that makes kids giggle. It’s science disguised in interactive entertainment and kids are more apt to learn when they’re having fun doing it. You may think leeches are pretty gross but they’re used after some surgeries to assist in the healing process. Did you know that cows are one of the gassiest animals on earth? Learn why the dung beetle is nature’s living pooper scooper and why scientists are studying slug and snail slime production for clues in treating cystic fibrosis.

Animal Grossology is a temporary travelling exhibit created and produced by Advanced Exhibits, a division of Advanced Animations LLC, in collaboration with Sylvia Branzei, the author of the GROSSOLOGY series of books. The books are published through Price Stern Sloan, a member of Penguin (USA) Inc.

Birmingham Zoo:

Lorikeet Aviary – Our Lorikeet Aviary has more birds than ever! Zoo guests can feed these exotic birds every day. You and your family will see these birds’ behavior as they eat nectar out of your hand.
Weekends 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

PELICAN FEEDING – A great way to see our pelicans in action is to witness them eating their favorite treats near the pelican boardwalk.

RHINO ENCOUNTER – Embark on an African adventure and experience one of the world’s most extraordinary animals, the Southern White Rhino. Watch from only feet away as our zookeepers engage in hands-on interaction with the animals inside their African-themed exhibit. Don’t miss this exciting encounter with one of the largest mammals on the planet!
Weekdays: 3pm – 3:30pm
Weekends: 11:30am – Noon & 3pm – 3:30 pm

GIRAFFE FEEDING – This up close and personal animal encounter is a memory you and your family will have for a lifetime.
Weekday: 11am – Noon
Weekends: 10am – 11am & 2pm – 3pm

Vulcan Park and Museum:

Vulcan is the world’s largest cast iron statue; made of 100,000 pounds of iron and 56 feet tall, he stands at the top of Red Mountain overlooking the city of Birmingham. But, Vulcan is more than a statue. Vulcan Park and Museum features spectacular views of Birmingham, an interactive history museum that examines Vulcan and Birmingham’s story, and a beautiful public park for visitors and locals to enjoy. With an official information center that is operated by the Greater Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau, Vulcan Park and Museum serves as the first stop for visitors to the Birmingham area!

Railroad Park:

Railroad Park is a 19 acre green space in downtown Birmingham that celebrates the industrial and artistic heritage of our great city. Situated along 1st Avenue South, between 14th and 18th Streets, the park is a joint effort between the City of Birmingham and the Railroad Park Foundation. Hailed as “Birmingham’s Living Room,” Railroad Park provides a historically rich venue for local recreation, family activities, concerts, and cultural events, while connecting Birmingham’s downtown area with Southside and UAB’s campus.

Southern Museum of Flight:

Earn Your Wings – Bring your little pilot and soar above the clouds in our little pilots room. Kids enjoy building aircrafts, flying kites, and more.
Museum Open Tuesday – Thursday
9:30am – 4:30pm

Do you have or know of an event you would like to have added to our weekly calendar? Please email us at contact@birminghammommy.com, subject line “Events Calendar” – We would love to hear from you!

** All information listed on our calendar is subject to change without notice to us or you… We do our best to keep the information accurate and will always update as soon as we learn that something has changed. It’s always best to double check with the event via their website or a quick call, especially when weather can impact the event.

Online Auction Benefitting Magic Moments

Posted on Thursday, April 4, 2013 by Angie

As we have mentioned BirminghamMommy.com is sponsoring a child through Magic Moments and our goal is to raise enough money to send her to Disneyworld.

We have several businesses that have graciously offered up some items for us to auction off to help in our efforts. We’re kicking that off today with the first 3 items!

Item One.. 2 – Atlanta City Passes. Donated by the World of Coca Cola.

Atlanta CityPASS is a booklet of admission tickets to Atlanta’s 5 must-see attractions at 42% off the combined admission price. Save $53.28 per adult and $46.60 per youth, ages 3–12. Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca Cola, Inside CNN Studio, Zoo Atlanta, or Fernbank Museum or Atlanta History Center or High Museum of Art.

Option tickets allow you entry to one of two attractions. No need to decide now – choose when you get there.

CityPASS booklets are valid for nine consecutive days beginning with the first day of use. Booklets purchased today will expire on February 28, 2015.

Skip most ticket lines once you have your ticket booklet. (You may encounter a line when you exchange a voucher for a booklet.)

Booklets include one-time admission tickets, detailed attraction information, coupons and a map.

Item Two… McWane Science Center Birthday Party

Free Adventure birthday party for up to 30 guests (including adults and children) Party will include. A host, Free parking for all of your guests, Party room for 1 hour, Admission to Adveture Halls after your party, Cake, drinks, ice cream and side items OR 20 minute Educational Experience.

Approximate Value: $250

Item Three – 2 Tickets to Broadway in Birmingham Rock of Ages with a One Night Stay at the Westin Birmingham with Valet Parking.

Take in a show and have a night away from the kiddos with this package. Rock Of Ages show is Friday May 3rd, 3013 at the BJCC Concert hall.

Approximate Value – $200+

Auction Rules –
You must bid on the photo on Facebook. All bids must be in $5 increments. Invalid bids will be deleted. The last and highest bid in before the end of the auction wins. Bidding on these items will end Monday, April 8th at 6pm. Once payment is made item will be mailed to the winner. Payments accepted by check, paypal or can be directly donated to our E-Campaign

Check out our FB Page to start your bidding.

Nibbles: Simple Crab Cakes

Posted on Wednesday, April 3, 2013 by Angie

Over the holidays, we attempted to make crab cakes. It didn’t turn out so well, but I do love them so I went on the hunt for an easy recipe. This one was great and not too labor intensive.

Ingredients:

1 cup crabmeat
1 tablespoon mayonnaise
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning
1/8 cup dry breadcrumbs
1 egg, beaten (only need 1/2)
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/8 cup flour (for dredging)

Directions:

Combine the crabmeat, mayo, mustard, worcest. sauce, Old Bay Seasoning, bread crumbs, and beaten egg (I only use half of the beaten egg).
Put bowl with mixture in freezer to chill for 5 minutes.
Take bowl out and shape mixture into 2 patties. Wrap the patties with plastic wrap and put back in the freezer for 10 minutes.
In a skillet, heat butter and oil over medium heat.
Dredge patties carefully in flour and place in pan.
Cook for about 6 minutes, until browned. Then carefully turn patties and cook the second side about 4 minutes.

Just Say No. To Children.

Posted on Tuesday, April 2, 2013 by Angie

We don’t mean say no to having them, never! We mean say no to them. Often.

A trip to the grocery store is all you need to see different parenting styles. Some are strict, authoritarians. Some are democratic and offer their children choices. Then there are the ones who can’t say no. These moms are typically handling more stress than the others.

We’re not here to attack those moms. We want to help. Research says that adults who have a hard time saying no usually suffer from self-confidence issues. So what can you do if you’re stuck in a rut of appeasing the kids just to avoid meltdowns? Here are some tips:

1. Commit to it. You CAN do this. But you have to stick to it for the sake of your child. If you need to figure out why you aren’t confident, start now. Examine yourself. Talk to your spouse, mom, or a friend.

2. Schedule it. Hate tantrums in public? You know what sets your kids off, so set it up at home and let the tantrum happen there.

3. Think ahead. How your 3 year old acts is a prediction of how they will act when they’re 13. Start giving them skills now so they aren’t defiant or spoiled later.

4. Find other moms! Seek out a mom who is strong at discipline. Ask advice. Watch her. Let her model for you. Don’t feel bad- she’s watching your good points and learning too.

5. Books. The right book is dependent on your parenting style, but start looking for it.

Do you have a hard time saying “no” to your children?

Parenting with a PhD: Mommy Mindfulness

Posted on Monday, April 1, 2013 by Angie

By Kristen Berthiaume:

Remember those quizzes we took as teenagers (“Are you a huge flirt?!”)? The ones in magazines geared towards grown women that we probably shouldn’t have been reading in the first place? Let’s take one now, shall we?

Are You a Great Mom?

If your kids ate breakfast today, give yourself 10 points
If breakfast was on a stick or consisted of last night’s leftovers, take away 5 points
If you remembered to put on pants this morning, give yourself 10 points.
If they’re not yoga pants, give yourself an additional 2 points
If you volunteer at your children’s school, give yourself 15 points
If you get out of the house to socialize with friends at least once a year, give yourself 15 points
If your child has ever announced to a full restaurant that she pooped in her pants/needs to throw up/thinks your breath stinks/has a vagina/hates your guts, give yourself 40 points
If you’ve ever accidentally left your child alone somewhere briefly (Whoops!), take away 5 points
If you said, “I love you” to your kid before school, give yourself 20 points
If your kid said something rude in response, give yourself an additional 5 points
If you ignored the rude response, give yourself 5 more points
If you constantly brag about your kids on Facebook, take away 5 points (Sorry, but your friends really don’t like this)
If none of your children is currently beating up any other of your children, give yourself 20 points
If you’re a Stay-at-Home Mom, give yourself 15 points
If you’re a Working Mom, give yourself 15 points
If you make a healthy, delicious, three-course dinner every night for your family, give yourself 30 points
If you feed your family any type of food on a daily basis, or supervise the feeding of your family in any way on a semi-regular basis, give yourself 30 points
If you’ve ever taken your kids to a birthday party at Chuck-E-Cheese, give yourself 50,000 points

OK, hopefully you came out of that with at least a few points intact. But, just like with those magazine quizzes, the above questions have very little to do with your actual skill at parenting. The point is, there are days where we all feel like we’re failing. Really, horribly failing. But, hopefully, most of us also have times we feel at least 85% sure we’re getting some things right. Like the days when we’re actually on time and no one has dirt under his nails and everyone is reasonably calm (or at least too distracted to be whining).

Parenting is a J-O-B. Hopefully you have a co-worker or two but for some it’s a one-person operation. Your boss is indecisive (“I said I HATE the purple socks!!”), poorly-kempt (what is that in her hair?), and slightly paranoid (“He’s LOOKING AT ME!”). The hours are grueling (Read: Never-ending) and the pay is awful (except for the hand-drawn pictures – those are nice). The performance evaluations are alternately baseless and overly harsh (“You forgot to give me a straw. I HATE you!!”) and flattering to the point of delusional (Case in point: My son thought it was me when he saw Jessica Chastain at the Golden Globes. The kid is cuckoo but I didn’t correct him). Parenting is not supposed to be easy. If someone told you otherwise, that person was either A) Lying or B) Drunk.

Instead of keeping score, try accepting that every day is not going to be a slam- dunk. Practice Mommy Mindfulness by observing what’s going on around you – including the weird goo dripping down the bathroom mirror – and just accepting it. Yes, you should probably wipe that goo off at some point (seriously – is that what’s in her hair?) but you don’t have to take its very existence to be proof that you’re an unfit parent. What do you observe when you look around the house? Some things are in place – others are definitely not. What do you hear your kids saying or doing? Was that a giggle or a cry? Is that nail polish you smell and, if so, why? Where? WHERE??? (Deep breath).

Being a Mindful Mommy means you don’t have to make constant excuses for why you and your kids (and your house and your car) aren’t perfect – you just have to take note of it all, the good and the bad, and move on. Instead of berating yourself for screaming, you make a mental note: “I yelled at my daughter to get her to stop yelling” followed by a judgment-free, easy to remember mantra like, “Noted” or “So, that just happened.” Do you notice regular patterns that are causing problems for the family? Maybe it’s time to do something about those. But, involve everyone in making the changes – all of the issues aren’t reflective of you alone. At the same time, by being more mindful you’ll become more aware of how sweet your oldest is when her sister’s telling about a kid who teased her at school. You’ll start to realize that, at least 3 nights out of the week, your son lets you put his PJs on without elbowing you in the face. As these little successes start to add up, you will find that (a few) things are really going (fairly) well after all (some of the time). And, although you may not get points for everything you do, you may come to truly value the role you play in your family and how incalculable your contributions are to everyone else.

I’ll leave you with an excerpt from Mary Oliver’s poem “Wild Geese” because these are the words I think to when I feel overwhelmed by the discrepancy in what I’ve accomplished versus what I needed to accomplish:

You do not have to be good.
You do not have to walk on your knees
For a hundred miles through the desert, repenting.
You only have to let the soft animal of your body love what it loves.

You’re doing a great job, Mom. Take note of that – then move on. (But, eventually, you probably should clean that mirror).

About this column: Send your parenting- and kid-related questions my way and I’ll tell you what I can: parentingwithaphd@gmail.com Please be aware that email is not a secure method of transmitting personal information so it’s best to keep your questions general. If your question is featured, your name and email will not be published. Submitting a question does not constitute a professional relationship in any way and this column is not meant to substitute for face-to-face therapy. If you feel you’re doing the best you can and still need help, it may be time to bring in a professional. Start by talking with your child’s pediatrician to get a referral.

Kristen Berthiaume, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist with Grayson and Associates (www.graysonmentalhealth.com). She obtained her doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Kentucky. She completed a predoctoral internship in clinical psychology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a post- doctoral fellowship in the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders (ADHD) Program at Duke University Medical Center. She specializes in providing assessment and treatment of children, adolescents, and families dealing with the following issues: ADHD, learning disorders, social skill deficits, organizational problems, behavioral difficulties, anxiety, and depression. She generally focuses on behavioral and cognitive- behavioral techniques, but maintains a flexible approach to therapy. Her other day job is as mom to her six-year-old daughter and two-year-old son, and as incubator to a third kiddo.

Magic Moments Fundraiser: Let's Send Jordan to Disney

Posted on Monday, April 1, 2013 by Angie

As we mentioned at our Moms Rock event a couple of weeks ago, we are going to sponsor a little girl name Jordan, through Magic Moments. Our goal is to raise awareness for this wonderful local charity and to grant a Moment to this adorable little girl. Our E Campaign is underway and you can now donate online!!

Meet Jordan!

When Jordan was four years old, her life was very different than other children her age. Instead of playing dolls with her sister, she was forced to spend multiple nights in the hospital receiving chemotherapy to combat her leukemia. At times, she had to eat her meals through a feeding tube rather than enjoying a happy meal for lunch. She watched movies in doctors’ waiting rooms instead of going to see the latest Disney movie in theaters. Jordan is now 7, and although she’s doing much better, her childhood has been stolen from her. She would like to travel to Disney World where she can twirl in magical teacups, meet Cinderella, and eat cotton candy whenever she wants. Will you help us give her the chance to forget about her illness, if only for a moment, during the most magical trip of her life?

Our official E-Campaign kicks off today, so donating is super easy, no matter how big or small every dollar counts to getting her to Disney World. If every fan on our Facebook page donated just $1, we would have more than enough for her trip!!

So, please help us get this little girl to Disney World!

CLICK HERE to make an online donation and THANK YOU for your support!!

Birmingham Events Calendar: March 31st – April 7th

Posted on Sunday, March 31, 2013 by Angie

We’re hoping you have had a wonderful Easter spending time with your family and friends.. Lots of fun things going on around Birmingham this week.

Don’t forget that the Strength Conference kicks off this week, you can find all of the details here, as well as how to purchase your tickets. If you’re looking to learn more about social media.. This is your chance!

It’s Not Our Fault if Your Kids are Bored!

Sunday March 31st:

Happy Easter!!

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Monday April 1st:

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Tuesday April 2nd:

LEGO Mini Build – Riverchase Galleria
LEGO Lamb
Free! Quantities are limited and offer is good while supplies last only. A new model will be available every month and will be specially themed to that month – ask a Store Associate for details! Models are not for sale and cannot be purchased. One free per child. Event is open to children ages 6 to 14 only. See store for more details.
5pm – until supplies last

No reservations required. Hippo Adventures are also available by appointment for groups of 10 or more children aged 3 – 8. For more information or to schedule a tour, call 205.254.2964.
10:30am

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Wednesday April 3rd:

Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Join us as we read Emeraldalicious. Will Pinkalicious and her brother be able to save the park from being filled with trash? We will make something fun and have a yummy treat from the Cafe.
11am

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Thursday April 4th:

Storytime with Ms Tami – Adamsville Library
Come join in the fun with Ms. Tamie and Pete the Cat as they shoe through colors and numbers.
10:30am
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Friday April 5th:

Shelby County’s Best BBQ Cookoff – Downtown Columbiana
3rd Annual Shelby County’s Best BBQ in Downtown Columbiana Cook teams will offer Boston Butts, ribs and other treats for tasting. Classic Car Cruise-In and Art Show round out the day. Trophy Awards Presentation:
Public tasting is 4-7pm
Tasting: $10 per person (kids 10 and under free with paid adult)

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Saturday April 6th:

Home Depot Kids Workshop
Build a Bird Feeder!

Workshops teach children do-it-yourself skills, tool safety and instill a sense of pride and accomplishment.
All kids get to keep their craft and receive a FREE Kids Workshop Apron, commemorative pin and certificate of achievement.
Paint will be provided at the workshop for children to personalize their bird feeder craft!

9am – Noon

Farm Day – Birmingham Zoo
Come experience daily life on a farm in rural Alabama!
Celebrate Alabama’s farming heritage and take part in activities and demonstrations throughout the day featuring topics such as how to raise farm animals, planting and harvesting crops, egg collecting and rural crafts. Come watch horseshoe making and hoof trimming and take a close look at several antique tractors and farm equipment. This fun event is held in the Children’s Zoo and Alabama Wilds.
10am – 2pm

April Abstractions // African Patterns! Try your hand at creating textures and patterns found in the new African Ceramics gallery.
11am

Mr Men and Little Miss – Hoover Public Library
Mr. Happy invites you to a morning full of fun, and Miss Chatterbox cant stop talking about it! No registration required.
10:30am

Family Storytime – Emmet O’Neal Library
Bring the entire family and join Mr. Mac for stories and music each Saturday morning.
10:30 a.m.

Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Join us for Storytime as we read Trixie Ten. Find out what happens when a girl who has nine brothers and sisters tries to find somewhere quiet to go. We will have something delicious from the cafe and make something fun.
11am

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Sunday April 7th:

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Local Attractions Open Daily!

McWane Science Center:

Be Ready Alabama Exhibit Presented by:
The Governor’s Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives
www.readyalabama.org

Birmingham Zoo:

PELICAN FEEDING – A great way to see our pelicans in action is to witness them eating their favorite treats near the pelican boardwalk.

GIRAFFE FEEDING – This up close and personal animal encounter is a memory you and your family will have for a lifetime.
Weekday: 11am – Noon
Weekends: 10am – 11am & 2pm – 3pm

Vulcan Park and Museum:

Railroad Park:

Southern Museum of Flight: